Illinois sees decrease in medical malpractice payouts

In 2013, Medical Malpractice payouts decreased in Illinois, according to research from a medical malpractice insurer.

Diedrich Healthcare performed an analysis of 2013 medical malpractice payments that were recorded by the National Practitioner Data Bank. The insurer found that medical malpractice payouts in Illinois decreased by $28 million from 2012 to 2013.

The insurer also found that 2013 was the first year since 2003 that medical malpractice payments increased nationwide. National payouts increased by $168 million, a figure 4.7 percent greater than 2012’s.

The greatest state decrease in payouts was seen in New York, with a $73 million drop. In Massachusetts, there was a drop of $7 million; in Florida, a decrease of $4 million; and in Mississippi, a drop of $3 million. The largest increase in medical malpractice payouts occurred in California, which saw a $51 million uptick.

On a national basis, 96 percent of the payouts were represented by settlements. In cases that went to judgment, the average payment amount decreased by more than $200,000.

Diedrich Healthcare also analyzed malpractice payouts according to the type of allegation. The insurer found that in 33 percent of payouts, the allegation was related to diagnosis. Twenty-three percent involved surgery, 18 percent involved treatment and 10 percent concerned obstetrics. Allegations related to medication, anesthesia, monitoring, equipment and other causes accounted for five percent or less of the total.

The law firm of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg represents injured people throughout Illinois, including Chicago, the Chicagoland area, Joliet, Waukegan, Cicero, Evanston, Arlington Heights, Wheaton, Bolingbrook, and Naperville, as well as other cities within Cook County, Will County, DuPage County, Lake County and McHenry County. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg also represents injured people throughout Wisconsin, including Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Madison.